Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

No Fear of Hard Study

Admiral Chester Nimitz

Photographed By James Hulse, December 2, 2021

1. No Fear of Hard Study Marker

Inscription.

No Fear of Hard Study. Admiral Chester Nimitz. With a year of high school remaining, Chester's determination to get a higher education led him to take a competitive exam for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, even though he had hoped to go to West Point. Hard studying and tutoring by a teacher and the principal of Tivy High School allowed him to win the local competition. , Two months later, after further preparation, he passed the national examinations. At the Academy, Nimitz continued to rise before reveille to study. His efforts paid off as he finished seventh out of 114 graduates. , "A Lenient and Tolerant Eye" , In his final year at the Academy, Midshipman Nimitz was observed purchasing beer in town by a well dressed gentleman. In class the following day Nimitz was horrified to see the same gentleman sitting in the instructor's chair wearing the uniform of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander. , Although the instructor never gave any indication of having seen Nimitz before, Chester believed otherwise. He later said, , "This escapade taught me a lesson on how to behave for the remainder of my stay at the Academy. It also taught me to look with lenient and tolerant eye on first offenders when in later years they appeared before me as a Commanding Officer holding Mast.", While commanding the USS Augusta, Captain Nimitz often tasked his ensigns to perform ship handling duties. In one instance, Ensign O.D. Waters brought the cruiser into anchorage too fast, overshot the mark, and had to order the engines full astern while paying out ninety fathoms of anchor cable before the ship finally came to a stop. , Nimitz remained silent throughout. Only when the Augusta was securely at anchor did he remark, , "Waters, you know what you did wrong, don't you?" Waters responded: "Yes sir, I certainly do." To which Nimitz replied, "That's fine." , From The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds . This historical marker was erected by Admiral Nimitz Gallery - National Museum of the War in the Pacific. It is in Fredericksburg in Gillespie County Texas

With a year of high school remaining, Chester's determination to get a higher education led him to take a competitive exam for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, even though he had hoped to go to West Point. Hard studying and tutoring by a teacher and the principal of Tivy High School allowed him to win the local competition.

Two months later, after further preparation, he passed the national examinations. At the Academy, Nimitz continued to rise before reveille to study. His efforts paid off as he finished seventh out of 114 graduates.

"A Lenient and Tolerant Eye"
In his final year at the Academy, Midshipman Nimitz was observed purchasing beer in town by a well dressed gentleman. In class the following day Nimitz was horrified to see the same gentleman sitting in the instructor's chair wearing the uniform of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander.

Although the instructor never gave any indication of having seen Nimitz before, Chester believed otherwise. He later said,

"This escapade taught me a lesson on how to behave for the remainder of my stay at the Academy. It also taught me to
Photographed By James Hulse, December 2, 2021

2. No Fear of Hard Study Marker

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look with lenient and tolerant eye on first offenders when in later years they appeared before me as a Commanding Officer holding Mast."

While commanding the USS Augusta, Captain Nimitz often tasked his ensigns to perform ship handling duties. In one instance, Ensign O.D. Waters brought the cruiser into anchorage too fast, overshot the mark, and had to order the engines full astern while paying out ninety fathoms of anchor cable before the ship finally came to a stop.

Nimitz remained silent throughout. Only when the Augusta was securely at anchor did he remark,

"Waters, you know what you did wrong, don't you?" Waters responded: "Yes sir, I certainly do." To which Nimitz replied, "That's fine."
From The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds

Erected by Admiral Nimitz Gallery - National Museum of the War in the Pacific.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.

Location. 30° 16.323′ N, 98° 52.053′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Texas, in Gillespie County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 290) and North Washington Street. The marker is located northwest of the Admiral Nimitz Gallery which is a part of the National

The No Fear of Hard Study Marker is the marker on the far left of the two markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 2, 2021

3. The No Fear of Hard Study Marker is the marker on the far left of the two markers

Museum of the Pacific War. There is an entrance fee to visit inside the museum but this marker is located on the outside grounds by the gift store. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 340 East Main Street, Fredericksburg TX 78624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Life in Fredericksburg (here, next to this marker); Selflessness (here, next to this marker); Nimitzplatz (here, next to this marker); Command Judgment (here, next to this marker); Dedicated to all Those Who Served 3rd Marine Division during WWII (here, next to this marker); "Mahler Triplets" (here, next to this marker); Morale (a few steps from this marker); Legacy (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Also see . . . Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. National Museum of the Pacific War website entry (Submitted on April 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 1, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.